And their comments came on the back of reports that groups were getting together in areas such as Chelmsley Wood to conduct unofficial street patrols.
Councillor Cheryl Buxton-Sait (Green, Castle Bromwich) highlighted the problems in the community. “Burglary is endemic in my ward ... I’ve got some residents that have been very unfortunate that they’ve been burgled not once but twice.
“I’ve got residents that are at the point where they’re scared to leave their houses overnight.”
Coun Bob Sleigh, Leader of the Council, told the PCC he was constantly contacted by constituents who had concerns.
“It is really now where you prioritise the next policing plan to restore public confidence in our police service and to make people feel safe in their homes.”
Coun Ben Groom (Green, Smith’s Wood) said: “I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your attention that the West Midlands is now, outside of London, the worst place in the country for knife crime.”
Total recorded crime rose across the borough in July to September, but the highest rate of offending continues to be in the north.
There were 409 offences in Chelmsley Wood, with more than four times the 97 incidents logged in Knowle.
Over the same three month period, there were 312 offences in Smith’s Wood and 278 in Kingshurst & Fordbridge.
The PCC, David Jamieson, said: “I always remind councillors and Members of Parliament that all of your constituents are my constituents as well. “Because they are people who can vote me in, or vote me out as they choose.
“The reduction of crime and reduction of harm to people is the single most important thing that we do.”
But he warned that officers were having to deal with rising levels of violent crime and new types of offences despite significant budget cuts.
He reminded the Full Council meeting that West Midlands Police had 2,000 fewer officers than seven years ago
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